Assam’s first emergency airstrip nears completion on NH-2 in Moran

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited Jatiyani Village in Moran to inspect the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) being constructed along National Highway 2 (NH-2), a development that will soon allow fighter jets and military aircraft to land on the highway stretch.

The ELF, located in Dibrugarh district’s Moran area, is designed to enable combat aircraft such as Rafale, MiG, Tejas, Hercules, and AN-32 to land and take off in the event of emergencies such as war or natural disasters.

The Chief Minister inspected the ELF being developed between the Polo Club in Khatkhati and Tiloijan along the under-construction 11-km four-lane stretch of NH-2. A 4.2-km portion between the Polo Club and Rassipathar is being specially constructed to meet advanced specifications for emergency air operations.

“This is a significant milestone for Assam and for national security. It ensures that the Indian Air Force can operate swiftly in Upper Assam when needed,” Sarma said during the visit.

The ELF is a joint initiative of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Indian Air Force’s airfield construction wing. To facilitate safe operations, temporary fencing has been installed to prevent intrusion by humans or animals. An Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has also been constructed as part of the facility.

The road will be used for aircraft operations only during emergency situations; under normal circumstances, it will remain open for public transport.

The full 11-km four-lane highway from Moran Town to Tiloijan has been open to public traffic since April 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to formally inaugurate the road in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

MT